By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“To reach 250,000 acts of kindness as we look toward America’s 250th anniversary is more than a celebration — it is a renewal of our promise to one another.” - Jessica Cooper Whiting, America250 Idaho Service Challenge co-chairwoman
In North Idaho’s Bonners Ferry, a group of quilters came together to donate blankets for those in need as a part of the statewide service challenge to celebrate America250. “We are a non-profit organization making humanitarian quilts for local organizations (for veterans and hospice) and also Quilts Beyond Borders,” the group wrote. (Photo courtesy of the Idaho State Treasurer’s Office)
LIVING
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, Idahoans complete 250,000 — and counting — acts of service
By Christina Lords
Participation in the volunteer effort has been documented in 166 Idaho cities, including 100,000 acts of service recorded in Idaho Falls alone, the press release said. Nearly 4,000 service projects have benefitted veterans and military families, including “care packages, cemetery flag placements, home projects, thank-you cards, visits to veterans in assisted living facilities, and community outreach.”
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright (left) speaks to reporters alongside Utah Gov. Spencer Cox during the Operation Gigawatt Summit on May 22, 2026. (Photo by Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch)
ENVIRONMENT
Global warming is ‘nowhere close to the world’s top 5 or 10 problems,’ Energy secretary says
By Alixel Cabrera
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright wants Americans to drop “doomster” views around energy, since, he said, the country is entering “a golden era” of energy. That includes leaving behind a history of fear to further hydrocarbon developments.
Global warming is a real thing, Wright said during a visit to Utah, “but it’s no big deal.”
Former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne lies in state in the Idaho State Capitol on Friday, May 15, 2026. (Photo by Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun)
COMMENTARY
It is appropriate to honor Idaho’s Dirk Kempthorne on this Memorial Day
By Jim Jones
The former governor played a heroic role in saving a planeload of Afghan allies from the murderous clutches of the Taliban, writes guest columnist Jim Jones.
MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
ICYMI
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